Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gathered various experiences. London is a dynamic metropolis, distinguished not only by its range of housing choices but also by its varied communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student residences and private accommodations offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, covering amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a place, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel among zones straightforward. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The prime attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations in hopes of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic groups are foundational to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek the comforts of their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-based neighbourhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, venture into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.